Newsmakers for the week of July 22, 2002

Virginia Rizzo, coordinator of special programs at Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES, has been appointed vice president of the Greater Rochester Association for Continuing Community Education (GRACCE), the regional chapter of the New York Association for Continuing Community Education (NYACCE). NYACCE provides information, services and support to professionals serving the needs of lifelong learners in New York state.

Rizzo was also appointed to the 2001 edition of the "International Who's Who of Professionals" as a public service professional. The listing honors the leaders in commerce, economics, policy and trade.

A resident of Chili, Rizzo began working for BOCES 2 in 1989 as a life management instructor, then took on the position of assistant to the life management coordinator in 1993. In 1995, she became child care coordinator, which included overseeing what is now the Career, Family and Life Skills Program, Rapid Research and special projects, plus the Child Care Center, which became nationally accredited while she was coordinator. Rizzo began her present position as coordinator of special programs in 2000.

Manina Danielle Secon of Hilton, graduated from the University of Albany with a bachelor of arts degree in May 2002.

Democritos Naselaris of Spencerport, graduated from the University of Albany with a bachelor of arts degree in May 2002

Martial artists who earned degrees from Caparco's Karate, Iai and Aiki jujutsu dojo include: Nathaniel Troop - second degree Black belt; Forrest Mengs - Shodan first degree Black belt; Junior Black Belt ranks are Emily Egan, Scott Shamp and Nicholas Baldo.

SUNY Oswego has awarded merit scholarships to more than 500 incoming students, including Catherine E. Chuma of Huntington Parkway in Hamlin. She received a $13,600 Presidential Scholarship. The award recognizes past academic achievement and potential for success.

Chuma has reserved a place in the incoming freshman class for the fall semester. Classes will begin September 3.

Former Churchville resident Jennifer Benwood recently received the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM), Eighth at Race Street, Philadelphia. Dr. Benwood was one of 77 students in this year's graduating class.

A 1995 graduate of the Colby College, Dr. Benwood received a bachelor of arts degree in biology and chemistry before continuing her education at TUSPM.

Dr. Benwood is the daughter of Bruce and Susan Benwood. Following graduation, she will begin a residency program at Swedish Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Andrea J. Blosenhauer, daughter of Jeannine and John Blosenhauer of Holley, has been named to the spring 2002 dean's list at Keuka College in Keuka Park. Blosenhauer graduated in May with a bachelor of arts degree in American sign language and a bachelor of science in elementary and special education.

Monica Desso, of Windmill Trail, Rochester, has been named to the dean's list for the spring quarter at Rochester Institute of Technology. A first-year student in the School of Design, Desso is studying interior design. The daughter of Jack and Karen Desso of Ogden, she is a 2001 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School.

Ithaca College graduates from the area include:

•Robert Koutras graduated cum laude with a bachelor of fine arts degree in musical theater from the School of Humanities and Sciences. A graduate of Brockport High School, he is a resident of Hillcrest Parkway, Brockport.

•Jennifer Salmon earned a bachelor of science degree in exercise science from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. She had minors in both health and coaching. A graduate of Brockport High School, she is a resident of Salmon Creek Road, Brockport.

•Sarah Schram received a bachelor of science degree in business administration from the School of Business. She had a concentration in marketing and a minor in advertising/public relations. Schram was previously inducted into Sigma Iota Epsilon management honor society. A graduate of Brockport High School, she is a resident of Sherwood Drive, Brockport.

•John Bird received a bachelor of science degree in cinema and photography, with a concentration in cinema production, from the Park School of Communications. A graduate of Churchville-Chili Senior High School, he is a resident of Malloch Road, Churchville.

•Eric Toyama earned a bachelor of music degree in music education from the School of Music. His instrument is voice. A graduate of Churchville-Chili Senior High School, he is a resident of Ridgefield Drive, Churchville.

•Erin Donnelly graduated cum laude mid-year with a bachelor of arts degree in journalism, with a concentration in print journalism, from the Park School of Communications. She had a minor in history. A graduate of Hilton Central High School, Donnelly is a resident of Lighthouse Road, Hilton.

•Lindsay Mac Neil received a bachelor of science degree in health services administration from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. She was previously inducted into Sigma Iota Epsilon management honor society. A graduate of Hilton Central High School, Mac Neil is a resident of Timberwood Drive, Hilton.

•Michael Wyant received a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatrical production arts from the School of Humanities and Sciences. He had a concentration in theater technology He was the assistant lighting director for the Commencement Eve Concert. A graduate of Hilton Central High School, Wyant is a resident of Burritt Road, Hilton.

•Cindi Galvano graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in clinical science, leading to a master's degree in physical therapy, from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. She had a minor in health communication. Galvano was previously inducted into Phi Kappa Phi national honor society. A graduate of Gates Chili Senior High School, Galvano is a resident of Silent Meadows Drive, Spencerport.

•Timothy Hauck received a bachelor of arts degree in environmental studies from the School of Humanities and Sciences. A graduate of Irondequoit High School, Hauck is a resident of Maida Drive, Spencerport.

•Renee Lucieer earned a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications from the School of Humanities and Sciences. She had a minor in advertising/public relations. A graduate of Brockport High School, she is a resident of Pine Hill Road, Spencerport.

•Tracy Pointon received a bachelor of science degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting, from the School of Business. She had a minor in dance. Pointon was previously inducted into Sigma Iota Epsilon management honor society. A graduate of Spencerport High School, she is a resident of Ashford Circle, Spencerport.

•Jeffrey Voorheis graduated cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in sport management from the School of Health Sciences and Human Performance. He had a minor in legal studies. Voorheis was previously inducted into Sigma Iota Epsilon management honor society. A graduate of Churchville-Chili Senior High School, he is a resident of Osage Trail, Spencerport.

•Kristen Zamiara earned a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from the School of Humanities and Sciences. A graduate of Spencerport High School, she is a resident of Gillett Road, Spencerport.

Michelle L. McAndrews was named to the dean's list for the winter semester at the University of Dayton.

She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael McAndrews of Spencerport.

Westside News Inc. regrets that incorrect information was printed in a recent edition.

Al Smith, mechanic for the Town of Ogden, celebrated 15 years with the Highway Department in July. "Al is an asset to the town operations and the community at large. He is well respected by his co-workers. He has brought his ability to troubleshoot mechanical problems to the shop, where he applies his knowledge of computer and TV troubleshooting to everyday vehicle mechanics," Dave Widger, Ogden highway superintendent, said.

Smith started with the Highway Department after working at Curtis Burns, Kodak Copy Products and Spencerport Central Schools. "Al gained valuable experience as a TV repairman many years ago and has applied himself in every task put before him," Widger said.

Smith has two sons Alan and Brian; three step children, Peter, Bob and Patty; and 12 grandchildren. He says he likes to spend his free time working on "somebody's computer. Smith currently resides in North Chili with his wife, Mary, and their two cats.

Kelly Sargent was promoted from Tech Sergeant to Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force.

A graduate of Churchville-Chili High School, Class of 1985, Sargent joined the Air Force shortly after graduation.

She plans to relocate to Buffalo with her daughter, Samantha, to finish her 20 year military career in the recruiting field.

She is the daughter of James Plummer of Albion and Elizabeth Crawford of North Chili.

Army Joseph J. Jayer has graduated from the information systems operator-analyst advanced individual training course at Fort Gordon, Augusta, Georgia.

Jayer is the son of John M. and Gail A. Jayer of Brian Drive, Rochester and a 2001 graduate of Churchville-Chili High School.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Troy M. Soeder has received the Hidden Hero Award for exemplary support in volunteerism at Offutt Air Force Base, Omaha, Nebraska. The award openly recognizes individuals who unselfishly volunteer to help support people in local communities.

Recipients of the award receive angle pins, and at some bases commanders also grant a three-day pass.

Soeder is a network testing supervisor assigned to the 755th Communications Squadron.

His wife, Amy, is the daughter of Donald E. and Audrey A. Grolemund of Ridgefield Drive, Churchville.

Michael R. Dumas has been awarded an Air Force ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corps) college scholarship. The cadet was selected on the basis of comprehensive tests scores, high school scholastic achievement, school officials' evaluations, extra-curricular activities, and community involvement.

Dumas is the son of Diane M. Dumas of Adams Street, and Randolf E. Dumas of Sugar Tree Circle, both of Brockport. He is a 2002 graduate of Brockport High School.